As of today, distracted driving legislation comes into effect throughout the province and Canmore RCMP expect to be busy as a result.
In addition to enforcement in school zones and over the Labour Day long weekend, officers in the community will be stationed at key locations to remind people of safe driving habits, obeying school zone speed limits and responsible alcohol use can save lives and reduce injury on provincial roadways.
“Every day our officers patrol area highways with a focus on driver behaviour that poses risk for themselves and other road users,” said Cpl. Jack Wrobel. “I believe that the new Distracted Driving legislation will assist our officers in effectively dealing with distracted driving, which is one of the causal factors for motor vehicle collisions.”
Canmore RCMP is asking motorists to keep in mind a charge under the new legislation carries a $172 fine with no demerits.
In addition, drivers are reminded of the following:
When driving do not talk on your hand-held cellphone; use your cellphone to text or email; use electronic devices like laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays or portable audio players or read printed material like books or magazines;
When driving do not do personal grooming like combing your hair, applying makeup, shaving or brushing your teeth or use a two-way radio communication commonly referred to as a CB (Citizens Band) radio.
“Motorists should be vigilant concerning their driving at all times, but especially now with the upcoming school year and Labor Day long weekend about to begin,” said Wrobel. “Attentive driving, making good driving decisions such as obeying school zone speed limits and the safe use of alcohol is everyone’s responsibility.
“It is hoped our efforts will lead to alert, safe and sober driving.”
The following activities are still permitted under the legislation:
Using a cellphone in hands-free mode;
Using an earphone – if it is used in a hands-free or voice-activated manner;
Drinking beverages, such as coffee, water or pop;
Eating a snack;
Talking with passengers;
Listening to a portable audio player – as long as it is set up before you begin driving;
Glancing at – but not interacting with – the display screen of an affixed and pre-programmed GPS unit, a collision avoidance system or a gauge, instrument, device or system that provides information about the vehicle, or a dispatch system for transporting passengers;
Calling emergency services, such as 911, with a hand-held cellphone.
